The Cross River State Government is seeking to leverage the state’s rich cultural heritage to drive tourism, create economic opportunities and empower the creative sector, the Special Adviser on Event Management to the Governor, Effiong Ekpenyong, has said.
Ekpenyong stated this while addressing dignitaries and participants at the 2026 Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep.
He said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu was committed to using cultural festivals such as Leboku to attract visitors, create opportunities for residents and strengthen communities across the state.
According to him, the theme of the 2026 festival, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” captures the potential of cultural heritage to contribute to economic development.
He said culture should not be treated merely as a relic of the past, but should serve as a bridge to the future by creating opportunities for businesses, tourism and the creative industry.
“Today is more than a festival. Today is a celebration of who we are. Today is a celebration of heritage, our identity, and resilience, our collective aspiration for a prosperous future,” Ekpenyong said.
He noted that yam, which occupies a significant place in the cultural life of the Yakurr people, represented hard work, patience, sacrifice, abundance and thanksgiving.
Ekpenyong said the festival was also an opportunity to celebrate farmers and communities whose efforts contribute to the growth and development of the state.
He commended Governor Otu for what he described as his commitment to the preservation and promotion of Cross River’s cultural heritage through support for festivals such as Leboku.
The governor’s aide said such support demonstrated that the state’s cultural wealth could be harnessed to create opportunities, attract tourists, empower the creative sector and strengthen communities.
“Thank you for making Cross River State a destination where culture, tourism, entertainment, and economic work together to create prosperity for our dear people,” he said.
Ekpenyong also urged the people of Yakurr to continue preserving the cultural values associated with Leboku and ensure that the festival remained a unifying platform for the people at home and in the diaspora.
He particularly challenged young people to take ownership of the festival and ensure that its costumes, dances, songs, rituals, stories, cuisines, arts and traditions were preserved for future generations.
He urged the youths to document and promote the cultural heritage, take it to digital platforms and develop businesses around it.
“The world is increasingly looking for authentic experiences, and Yakurr has authenticity in abundance,” Ekpenyong said.
He further urged the people to use Leboku to strengthen unity irrespective of political differences, religious affiliations, social status or location.
The Special Adviser also acknowledged the contribution of MTN to the growth of the festival, noting that the telecommunications company had maintained a longstanding relationship with the event since 2004.
He expressed appreciation to the state’s First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for her support and encouragement towards the people of Cross River State.
The 2026 Leboku International New Yam Festival brought together government officials, traditional rulers, indigenes of Yakurr, visitors and other stakeholders to celebrate the cultural heritage of the people.
Ekpenyong urged stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at transforming the festival and other cultural assets in the state into platforms for tourism development, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
